Enteric
Nervous System
Structure of the enteric nervous system
The enteric nervous system is found in the wall of the gut, primarily
the small and large intestine, and is involved with normal gastrointestinal
motility and secretory function. It contains about 100 million nerve cell
bodies. It is heavily innervated/regulated by the autonomic nervous system but
is a separate entity with its own intrinsic circuitry and function. It has no
major role in the oesopha- gus and it is less clear what role it fulfils in the
stomach.
The enteric nervous system consists of two plexuses:
•
myenteric plexus or Auerbach’s plexus,
which lies between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers;
•
submucosal plexus or Meissner’s plexus,
which lies between the circular
muscle and muscularis
mucosa.
The plexuses consist of:
•
excitatory and some inhibitory motor neurones
regulate muscle contraction;
•
inhibitory interneurones integrate responses;
•
intrinsic primary (1°) afferent neurones (IPAN)
detect the chem- ical and mechanical state of the gut.
Multiple neurotransmitters and receptors are found in the different
neuronal populations, the activities of which can therefore be modulated by a
large number of drugs as well as by the ANS. Many of the neurones of the
enteric nervous system contain more than one neurotransmitter.
Functions of the enteric nervous system
• The enteric nervous system can function in isolation
to coordinate contraction of the gut musculature.
•
It also regulates local food flow and the
mucosal movement of ions/electrolytes.
•
It
allows for changes
in local gut
behaviour in response
to local stimuli – both mechanical and chemical – and this may also rely
on the release of substances from non-neuronal cells, e.g. 5-hydroxytryptamine
(5HT)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from entero-endocrine cells.
• In addition there are ascending and descending
neuronal networks that enable the sequential activation of muscles in the gut
wall, which allows for the transport of luminal contents down the gut
(peristalsis).
Disorders of the enteric nervous system
•
Congenital or developmental abnormalities
such as Hirschsprung’s disease – in which there is a localized
absence of enteric nervous system in the colon, causing constipation at birth,
and which can only be cured by surgery to remove the atonic bit of bowel.
•
Sporadic or acquired abnormalities,
such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation as is
seen in Parkinson’s disease, (see Chapter 42) where it is due to
local degeneration of intrinsic neurones.
•
Secondary to a neuropathy from
diabetes mellitus/Guillain– Barré syndrome.
•
Iatrogenic, e.g. laxative
abuse/opioid medication.
